Palm Beach Atlantic Honors Thomas Peterffy as American Free Enterprise Main Medalist

West Palm Beach, Fla. - Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) celebrated the enduring legacy of entrepreneurship and innovation during its 41st American Free Enterprise (AFE) Day, held on November 13 at the university's Rubin Arena.

A longstanding PBA tradition established in 1984, the 2025 ceremony recognized individuals whose achievements exemplify the values of the American free enterprise system. Thomas Peterffy, chairman and founder of Interactive Brokers Group, was honored as the main medalist. Companion medals were awarded to Bob Moss, chairman and founder of Moss & Associates and Sarah J. Wetenhall, owner and CEO of The Colony Palm Beach and The Hedges East Hampton.

With a backdrop of PBA's nearly completed Rinker Business Hall, guests arriving for the AFE ceremony made the easy connection between the significance of the day and the palpable excitement growing as the private Christ-first university prepares to open its 125,000 square-foot, six-story, state-of-the-art business school.

The event began with colors presented by the Seminole Ridge Hawk Battalion Female Color Guard. PBA student body president, Avery Neal, led the roughly 1,000 students, faculty, supporters and business leaders in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, the renowned PBA Oratorio Choir lead the national anthem and other patriotic hymns with Sonia Santiago conducting. The event went on to underscore PBA's commitment to celebrating the spirit of free enterprise and fostering the next generation of innovators.

"These individuals have turned their dreams into legacies that continue to inspire," said PBA President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn during her remarks. "Thomas Peterffy's journey from immigrant to pioneer in electronic trading embodies the ideals of the American free enterprise system. His story, alongside those of Bob Moss and Sarah J. Wetenhall, inspires our community by showcasing how ingenuity, perseverance and leadership can create meaningful opportunities and foster innovation across industries. Each medalist illustrates how freedom and opportunity allow enterprise to flourish, and how using one's gifts wisely can leave an enduring impact."

Peterffy, a current Palm Beach resident who built the first computer systems for electronic trading, was recognized for his transformative impact on global finance. After emigrating from Hungary and mastering computer programming, he developed an early pricing formula for contingent assets, predating what is now known as the Black-Scholes model. He later founded the first automated market-making firm for options and futures, paving the way for Interactive Brokers, which now employs over 3,100 people worldwide and boasts a market capitalization exceeding $100 billion.

"Capitalism naturally arises when free individuals agree to protect their property rights. New York City has always been the heart of American capitalism," said Peterffy. "However, the recent election of a self-declared socialist as mayor compels us to confront the possibility of a socialist shift in America in the coming years. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to tell, especially to so many young people, what I have learned about socialism growing up in a socialist country."

A Fort Lauderdale resident, Moss was celebrated for his leadership in the construction industry. Under his guidance, Moss & Associates has grown to nearly 5,000 employees and delivered acclaimed projects across luxury residential, mixed-use, hospitality, education, healthcare and renewable energy sectors. In 2024, Engineering News-Record named Moss & Associates Contractor of the Year in the Southeast and ranked it as the nation's top solar contractor.

Wetenhall was recognized for her transformational work in the hospitality sector. Together with her husband, Andrew, the multi-generational Palm Beachers have revitalised The Colony Palm Beach and The Hedges East Hampton into design-forward, community-centered brands and iconic hotels. Her guest-first philosophy, emphasis on immersive experiences and collaborations with local to global brands have redefined luxury hospitality. In 2025, Wetenhall received the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce Women in Leadership Award and Fashion Group International's Leadership in Luxury Lifestyle Award.

Presented by SROA Capital and Storage Rentals of America, other ceremony sponsors included Bonnie McElveen-Hunter and Gil Kemp in Honor of Thomas Peterffy, Old Charles Fund and Templeton & Company as the Ceremony Sponsors, and Bank of America, Sara and Jim McCann and United Franchise Group as the Freedom Sponsors.

For more information about American Free Enterprise Day and future PBA campus events open to the community, visit pba.edu.